Former Nakamura Family Merchant House
The Romantic Legacy of Herring Trade and Coastal Commerce
Experience the craftsmanship of traditional Japanese architecture and the rich legacy of the herring trade at this remarkable cultural site in Esashi.
Located along the historic “Inishie Kaido” street, the Former Nakamura Family Merchant House is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property that preserves the atmosphere of Esashi during its prosperous era of herring fishing and Kitamaebune maritime trade.
Inside, visitors are welcomed by the gentle scent of aged hiba wood and a spacious interior featuring traditional gabled wooden architecture. Originally owned by a merchant from the Omi region, the complex consists of four connected structures linked by a long earthen passageway known as a tooriniwa, a distinctive feature of traditional merchant houses.
As you walk through the cool, quiet corridors, you can admire the massive Echizen stone foundation and heavy wooden beams crafted by skilled carpenters. The building’s impressive design reflects the prosperity and vitality of Esashi’s trading past.
Today, the house serves as a museum displaying artifacts related to herring fishing, merchant life, and Kitamaebune trade. Its calm atmosphere offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the spirit of a once-thriving port town.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
- Category
- With friends
- Historic sites, castles, culture properties, architecture
- Museums, science museums, art galleries, archives
- History, culture, art
- Family
- Travel style
- Travel Inspiration
- Ideas for a rainy day
- Nearest airports
General Information
- Postal code
- 〒043-0034
- Address
- 北海道桧山郡江差町中歌町22
- Telephone Number
- 0139-52-1617
- Open
- 9:00-17:00
- Closed
- Open every day (Apr. to Oct.)
Mondays, the day after holidays (Nov. to Mar.)
New Year holidays - Prices
- paid
- Car Park
- None
- Directions
- ●By car: About 90 minutes from Hakodate Airport
●By bus: About 140 minutes from JR Hakodate Station - Website
* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
